Imagine being in the spotlight for all the wrong reasons, only to pull off a miraculous play that leaves jaws on the floor—this is the rollercoaster journey of Daly Cherry-Evans. The Sea Eagles captain has faced a storm of backlash this season, especially after his controversial decision to leave the Manly club and subsequent dismissal from Billy Slater’s Queensland team.

At 36 years old, the former star has been under fire for allegedly derailing the Sea Eagles’ 2025 campaign, with many questioning whether he still possesses the ability to compete at the elite level. However, during a crucial match against the Storm, Cherry-Evans showcased that he’s far from finished in the NRL.

Phil Rothfield, a veteran sports reporter, highlighted Cherry-Evans’ incredible last-minute tackle on the formidable Nelson Asofa-Solomona, a moment that not only secured an 18-16 victory for Manly but also redefined the narrative around his season. Rothfield emphasized how Asofa-Solomona, a powerhouse who typically steamrolls defenders, was brought down by Cherry-Evans—a feat that defied the laws of physics.

“How good was it? What a tackle! It was unbelievable,” Rothfield exclaimed during the Big Sports Breakfast. “In today’s game, you often see two or three players trying to take down the big guys, but here’s DCE, ten meters from his line, all alone—and he did it!” The play was monumental, not only helping to lift the team’s spirits but also reminding fans of Cherry-Evans’ undying resilience.

Despite the intense criticism he has faced, including being labeled a scapegoat after his unexpected departure from Manly and subsequent sacking from Queensland, Cherry-Evans has maintained his focus. “He didn’t complain, he didn’t whinge; he just got on with it,” Rothfield noted, praising Cherry-Evans for his commitment to help the team recover from a shaky season.

Today, the Sea Eagles sit seventh on the NRL ladder, a considerable improvement from just weeks ago when Anthony Seibold was conducting crisis meetings following a devastating 28-8 loss to the Titans. Rothfield recalled how the pressure was building during that period and how Cherry-Evans’ tackle against Asofa-Solomona was a turning point.

“That’s the weight difference; it was like a RAM ute running at a push bike. And the fact that their captain would put his body on the line like that—it was fantastic footy,” said Rothfield, capturing the essence of the moment and its impact on the team.